Valin Thorn wrote:
Could I get some advice on the best way to get a 28 VDC 50 Amp
power supply set up in our hangar?
Valin,
I have a 0-60 Volt, 0-15 amp adjustable Hewlett Packard bench
power supply that I used to build my panel and test the airplane systems. I’d
sell it at a good price as it’s just taking up space in Judy’s
laundry room.
This was well more power than I needed for all system testing-except
the heavy current draw items such as the hydraulic pump, landing light, pitot
heat, etc. For initial aircraft system testing, I used a pair of Odessey 680’s
wired in series, and recharged them with the HP power supply as needed. I’d
strongly recommend that you include batteries in any high current draw
switching/testing to buffer/stabilize the system. Almost all power supplies
will generate surges when switched at high loads.
After testing, I used the Odessys for one of my two
(independent) electrical systems, and bought two new ones for the other system
when I was ready to fly—they are about two years newer. I’m
planning on replacing the two oldest batteries every two years. So far, this
concept has worked very well. I’d strongly recommend Odessy batteries for
your airplane. They have proven extremely reliable and trouble-free, and can be
mounted in any location/orientation.
If you go with the Odessys, I’d also recommend you get a
small battery charger made specifically for them. I used one of these to keep
the batteries at full charge while we were doing final checks and multiple
ground engine runs, etc before first flight and it worked flawlessly; never
short on juice. The big deal with these chargers is that they reduce charge to
a “float” as the battery comes up to full charge; some, to include
the above power source, just put out the current until you turn them off. EASY
to “cook” an Odessy by overcharging with one of these units. (I
have not hooked up the battery charger to the airplane since our first flight;
the two alternators keep the batteries up to snuff, even with extensive avionics
ground runs during airshows, etc.)
I also did not install the ground power plug I bought for the airplane. To date
(230 flight hours) I have had no use for one… J
Another item I’d sell at a good price, along with the jumper cable/plug.
How close to flying are you? I saw a picture of your panel at a
booth at Sun&Fun; sorry we missed you if you were there!
Bob